Neymar backs 'peaceful' World Cup protests

Brazil forward Neymar is tipped to be one of the stars of the 2014 World Cup. But the Brazilian international is not only concerned about events on the pitch...

Neymar is mobbed by members of the public in Rio's Maracana after his starring role -- voted best player in addition to being top goalscorer -- during Brazil's Confederations Cup triumph on home soil last year.

But away from the action, hundreds of thousands took to the streets during last year's Confederations Cup to protest against the World Cup or in favour of more social spending.

Neymar rose to prominence at Pele's former club Santos. In 2010, he led the club to their first Copa Libertadores title since Pele's days, with Neymar scoring the opening goal in a 2-1 aggregate win over Uruguay's Penarol in the final.

World Cup winner Ronaldo, seen here playing for Corinthians against Neymar's Santos in 2009, is one of several individuals involved in the Barca star's business affairs.

Neymar Senior, pictured on the left, represents his son, seen here alongside former Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva as well as his onetime playing partner at Santos, Paulo Henrique Ganso.

Neymar waves to the crowds after signing a five-deal with Barcelona, but the full nature of the transfer is now under investigation.

Barcelona have struggled during Neymar's first season at the club, having lost in the Spanish Copa del Rey final to Real Madrid and been knocked out of the Champions League, while a Spanish La Liga title looks unlikely.

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The face of the 2014 World Cup?

Golden Boy

Protests

Emulating Pele

Past and Present

Family Affair

'More than a Club'

A bumpy start

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STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Neymar supports Brazilians right to protest during 2014 World Cup

While understanding ongoing protests, Neymar insists they must be peacful.

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari is worried about the impact of protests on his team

(CNN) -- Brazilian footballer Neymar has given the thumbs up to political protests during this summer's World Cup in Brazil -- as long as they are peaceful.

Demonstrations -- some violent -- have been taking place all over Brazil since last summer's Confederations Cup, raising concerns about security at the upcoming tournament.

They were originally organized to protest against increases in travel fares, but have since gone on to include demonstrations against staging the World Cup in Brazil, corruption in government and a lack of social spending.

"If it's for Brazil getting better, they have to protest," added the Brazilian, who plays for Spanish club Barcelona.

Smaller scale protests are still continuing, with many people earlier this month showing their disapproval following the death of a young man allegedly beaten by police, as city authorities attempt to drive armed gangs away from communities and restore authority ahead of the World Cup.

To make matters worse for FIFA and organizers of the tournament, three of the 12 stadiums to be used this summer have yet to be finished.

Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has also spoken about the political backdrop in Brazil, arguing that any demonstrations taking place during the competition would have a negative impact on his squad.

Winning the World Cup for the five-time winners would help Brazil banish the memories of the nation's darkest sporting hour -- letting a lead slip to allow Uruguay to become world champions in 1950, the last time the tournament was held on home soil.

"My advice is that they cheer for the national team until the end because they are important and we need them so that we can put more pressure in the game which will help us," added Neymar.